The town of Altkirch began with the construction of a beautiful castle by Frederick I, Count of Ferrette. The castle, located where the church now stands, was burned to the ground in the XVII century. Altkirch, the city of the Counts of Ferrette and later, the Hapsburgs, enjoyed many privileges. It became part of France again in 1648 with the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia.
The entire Sundgau region has had an eventful history. This undulated countryside, inhabited as early as the Stone Age, became part of the Roman Empire, was then occupied by the Alamans, devastated by then Magyars, rebuilt by the Counts of Ferrette, governed by the Hapsburgs, coveted by the Confederates, plundered by the Swedes and troops from Lorraine and finally became part of France in 1648.
Despite all of these historic episodes few ancient souvenirs remain.
However, because of its location Altkirch, nestled into a hillock overlooking the River Ill, is an enchanting village with hilly streets offering a spectacle of provincial charm.
